What happens after I've applied for a credit card?

After you submit your credit card application, the credit card issuer will assess your credit history and current finances in order to determine whether or not you are eligible for the card. They also use this process to determine how much credit they will offer you (in the form of your credit limit).

Providing you meet all the key application criteria, you could get conditional approval for the card within 60 seconds of submitting an online application. If not, you may get a follow up call or email from the credit card issuer asking for further information.

Providing supporting documentation

When you receive conditional approval for a credit card, the issuer may also ask you to submit supporting documents to complete the application process. The sooner you provide this information, the faster you'll get your card. The documents you'll need may vary between providers, but generally include some or all of the following:

The credit card issuer will let you know what documents you need to submit for your individual application. Usually you can submit them through a secure online service, via email or by post or fax. You may also be able to provide your supporting details by visiting a nearby branch. After the issuer receives these documents, your application approval will be finalised and they can issue your new credit card.

What do I need to do when I get my credit card?

After completing the whole application process, your credit card will usually come in the mail within the timeframe outlined by your provider. In some circumstances you may also be asked to go to your nearest branch to pick it up for security reasons.

Your new credit card issuer will also put together a "welcome pack" for you containing valuable information about the bank, the credit card and its terms and conditions of use. The welcome pack will either arrive before the card or come with it. Make sure you read through the provided information thoroughly before you start using your new credit card.

How do I activate my credit card?

Depending on the issuer, you may be able to activate your new credit card online, over the phone or in person. Information about card activation will also be included in your welcome pack and usually takes just a few minutes to complete.

Remember to sign your card

The signature panel on your new credit card gives you the legal authority to use the it and protects you against unauthorised transactions if it’s lost, stolen or compromised. So make sure you sign it when you first activate the card.

While it is exciting to be approved for a new credit card, there are a few more steps you need to know about before you can start using it. Being prepared for this process means you can tick all the boxes along the way and start using your credit card as soon as possible.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, most banks do have a feature that allows you to save an application and complete it at a later date. Just check first to see how long they will store your application and make a note of any reference number you may need to provide when you want to complete the application.

Credit card issuers usually assign you an application number when you apply for a credit card online, and will be shown on the application page. It may also be emailed to you once you have submitted your details. This number can be used to complete the application later, check your application status or upload supporting documentation.

As with any loan-based product, you will need to give details about your income and expenses along with your personal information.

Yes, all cards issued will need to be activated before they can be used. This is done to verify that they were delivered to the correct person.

This will depend on the bank you are getting the card through. Some prefer to mail it as a way of confirming your physical address.

If you haven’t received your card in the specified time frame, call the issuer and let them know. They will be able to review your account details and provide you with information on the status of the card and when you should receive it.

Yes, an unsigned credit card is not considered valid. Plus, you want to be protected in the event of a theft.

Related Posts

Applying for a credit card shouldn't take more than 10-15 minutes, but the process will go even smoother if you know what information you need to provide and the eligibility requirements you need to meet.

Taking on a credit card is a big commitment. Make sure you’re properly prepared by using a credit card limit calculator to get a better idea of what you can afford to comfortably pay back. Here’s a guide to how, and why you should be using one right now.

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Correction: After online approval, ANZ takes 5 business days just to get your application to their own assessment team.
They take another 2-3 business days to make a decision on it. Then if it’s approved, it takes another 5 business days to get the card to you, and they don’t even guarantee that. So it’s actually more like 3 weeks, not 5 working days.
They told me this on the phone today. The way they have it written on the website is misleading.

As confirmed by ANZ, for credit card online application, you would usually receive a response in 60 seconds, with an online application reference number. Once you’re approved, you will receive your card and welcome kit within five business days. If you have not received any, please contact ANZ directly to inquire about the status of your application.

You may ring the bank to check whether your card is already available. Usually, if you’re applying for a credit card, once you’re approved, you need not go to the branch to pick it up. The bank will send the card right to your indicated address instead.

For credit card applications, after you have submitted the pertinent documents to the bank and they have already reviewed them, usually, if they consider your application, they will finalise your application approval and you will soon receive your credit card.

I applied for a debit card with ANZ on the 7/16/2016 and received an email saying that my debit card should arrive within 5 business days. But it has been almost three weeks since i received anything from the bank, I check my mail and email everyday and still nothing. Any advice?

Thanks for your comment. Please note that you’ve come through to finder.com.au we are an Australian financial comparison website and general information service, not actually ANZ.

Just to confirm, you have applied for an ANZ Debit Visa card? If so, usually, when you’re approved, the account will be active within 2 days and the card will be delivered to your home address.

As for the ANZ credit card, usually, you would receive a response in 60 seconds, with an online application reference number. Once you’re approved, you will usually receive your card and welcome kit within five business days. If you have not received any but you’re sure you were approved, please contact ANZ directly to inquire.

I applied for my credit card last Tuesday and it was approved on Monday and sent on Yesterday. If I am in Sydney, why would the Commbank take 5-10 working days to receive it when I am already local? The bank agent said it was sent yesterday morning shouldn’t I get it sooner than 5-10 days? I am in Penrith

Five to ten working days is an estimate Commonwealth Bank gives, allowing for posting time, slight delays, etc. As you’re local it might arrive sooner than five days, but you should allow for this amount of time.

Two weeks ago I lost my card and I stopped my bank for few days and the bank emailed me and they said they sent a new card for me about 10 days ago and still the card didn’t arrive. Should I call bank?

Mailing a new credit card can take up to 10 working/ business days. If it has been a considerable amount of time since the banks notification of sending the new card it would be best to contact them directly.

I recently opened a Westpac choice youth account and went into my local branch to order my debit card. The woman said she would have ordered it that day and it would come within 5 working days. It’s been 10 days since I ordered it. How long does it take??

If Westpac advised that the card would arrive within five days, then it should have arrived in that time frame. You might want to get in contact with Westpac directly to ensure you card hasn’t been lost in the mail and that it has been sent.

I applied for a HSBC credit card online and got a conditional approval for $5000. In the email I was asked to fax drivers licence and a copy of a bill. I have done so it’s been a week since I faxed. How long does it normally take to get a reply to see if I was approved or not?

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